One semester with Root 2 Rise in 2017 changed the trajectory of Shaneece Taylor’s life.

The experience encouraged her to pursue a career helping youth. “In Root 2 Rise, I fell in love with working with kids.”  After graduation, she worked as a Special Education Assistant with the Oregon School District, a teacher’s assistant with One City Schools, and with the Madison School and Community Recreation program. She now works in restorative justice programs with Briarpatch Youth Services helping homeless and at-risk youth.

“In Root 2 Rise, I felt my life had a purpose when I saw how the faces of the kids I helped would light up. High school was a very difficult time for me, and I remember how others helped me.”

“Helping others is a personal  and philosophical goal for me,” she said.

She’s delighted that Root 2 Rise has expanded, and hopes the kids she helps can also participate in Root 2 Rise can participate to repair the harm they’ve suffered and help them avoid trouble.

Her participation in Root 2 Rise is on her resume – and it’s definitely part of her life.